Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is facing a major legal battle. The artist has been sued for copyright infringement by German singer Alice Merton.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in California, accuses Ye of using Merton’s 2016 track “Blindside” in his 2023 song “Gun to My Head” without permission.
According to Merton’s team, Ye and his collaborator Kid Cudi used the sample without compensating Merton or obtaining the proper rights. The legal action follows her rejection of the request.
Merton’s team claims that Ye’s label reached out for approval to use the track after the public noticed the sample. Merton refused, citing personal reasons tied to Ye’s controversial remarks.
Merton, known for her hit “No Roots,” is a vocal critic of Ye’s antisemitic statements. She’s the descendant of Holocaust survivors and made it clear she would not associate with Ye.
She reportedly told Ye’s team that his “values are contrary to our values” and refused to be linked to him due to his offensive views. This, according to the complaint, is the reason for her refusal.
Despite her denial, the song “Gun to My Head” was released, and Ye’s fans became vocal in their outrage. Many blamed Merton for the song’s delay and took to social media to express their anger.
Merton, who has also performed in the U.S., faced harassment after Ye’s fans targeted her. She received threats and was left fearing for her safety, even avoiding performing “Blindside” in fear of violence.
The lawsuit further claims that Ye’s team never stepped in to stop the harassment, leaving Merton to fend for herself against his fanbase. This led to Merton feeling unsafe in the U.S.
In addition to the threats, Merton’s legal team highlights that “Gun to My Head” is still circulating online despite Merton’s refusal. The situation has caused major emotional distress for the artist.
Merton’s lawyers are adamant that Ye’s actions are a clear violation of copyright law, particularly given the sensitive nature of her personal history and the cultural impact of Ye’s comments.
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